Editing Fountain pen (section)

== Today ==
[[Image:Pelikano.jpg|thumb|left|A 1970s model metal and plastic fountain pen]]
[[File:Pilot Varsity.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The [[Pilot (pen company)|Pilot]] Varsity, an inexpensive disposable fountain pen.]]
[[File:NoodlerPistonFillFountainPen.jpg|thumb|A modern resin fountain pen fitted with a vintage nib]]

While no longer the primary writing instrument in modern times, fountain pens are still used for important official works such as signing valuable documents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seal the Deal: The Mightest Fountain Pens |url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/msolomon/2015/06/17/best-luxury-fountain-pens-2015/|work=[[Forbes]] |date=17 June 2015 }}</ref> Today, fountain pens are often treated as [[luxury good]]s and sometimes as [[status symbol]]s. Fountain pens may serve as an everyday writing instrument, much like the common [[ballpoint pen]].<ref name="gentleman" /> Good quality steel and gold pens are available inexpensively today, particularly in [[Europe]] and [[China]], where there are "disposable" fountain pens such as the [[Pilot pen#Fountain Pens|Pilot Varsity]]. In France, in particular, the use of fountain pens is well spread. To avoid mistakes, special ink can be used that can be made invisible by applying an [[ink eraser]].

Fountain pens can serve various artistic purposes such as expressive [[penmanship]] and [[calligraphy]], pen and ink artwork, and professional art and design. Many users also favor the air of timeless elegance, personalization and sentimentality associated with fountain pens,<ref>{{cite web | publisher = japantimes.co.jp | url = https://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?file=fl20061224x2.html |title=Title Unknown |accessdate = January 26, 2007|quote= the key word I was left with was "personal" – not only because a fountain pen will over time change to suit your writing style, but because – unlike a typewriter or a keyboard – it will reflect your moods and feelings in the actual form of your writing}}</ref> which computers and ballpoint pens seem to lack,<ref>{{cite web |title=Title Unknown| quote = the unique feature of fountain pens that differentiates them from workaday ballpoints – let alone pencils. Also, ballpoints are in their best condition when they are brand new, whereas fountain pens get better the more you use them, Toshifumi Iijima, another of the museum's staff explained. | publisher = japantimes.co.jp| url = https://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?file=fl20061224x2.html | accessdate = January 26, 2007 }} </ref> and often state that once they start using fountain pens, ballpoints become awkward to use due to the extra motor effort needed and lack of expressiveness.

For ergonomics, fountain pens may relieve physiological stress from writing; alternatives such as the ballpoint pen can induce more pain and damage to those with [[arthritis]]. Some also believe they could improve academic performance.<ref>{{cite news | quote = The school believes that mastering stylish handwriting with a fountain pen raises academic performance and boosts self-esteem. | publisher = news.scotsman.com | title=School brings back pens so pupils get write stuff|url = http://news.scotsman.com/teaching/School-brings-back-pens-so.2826355.jp | accessdate = December 11, 2006 | location=Edinburgh | first=Stephen | last=Mcginty | date=November 13, 2006}}</ref> In some countries, fountain pens are usual in lower school grades, believed to teach children better control over writing as many common mistakes of people not used to handwriting (like too much pressure or incorrect hold) feel unnatural or are almost impossible when using traditional pen tips.<ref>{{cite web|title=Goulet Pens Blog: The 7 Biggest Fountain Pen Mistakes|url=http://blog.gouletpens.com/2016/02/the-7-biggest-fountain-pen-mistakes.html|website=blog.gouletpens.com|accessdate=26 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens (By a True Beginner)|url=http://www.penaddict.com/blog/2015/10/1/the-beginners-guide-to-fountain-pens-by-a-true-beginner|website=PenAddict|accessdate=26 July 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Modern-ftn-pen-cursive.jpg|thumb|A modern fountain pen, writing in [[cursive]] script]]

Some fountain pens are prized as works of art. Ornate pens may be made of [[precious metal]]s and [[Gemstone|jewel]]s with [[cloisonné]] designs. Some are inlaid with lacquer designs in a process known as [[maki-e]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Penna Magazine - Namiki Maki-e Guide|url=http://www.pennamagazine.com/en/vintage_pens/namiki-maki-e-buyers-guide-_28|website=Pen Magazine|accessdate=26 July 2016}}</ref> Avid communities of pen enthusiasts collect and use [[antique]] and modern pens and also collect and exchange information about old and modern inks, ink bottles, and [[inkwell]]s. Collectors may decide to use the antiques in addition to showcasing them in closed spaces such as glass displays.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Morrison|first1=Lennox|title=The fascination with fountain pens|website=BBC|url=http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20141204-a-fascination-with-fountain-pens|accessdate=27 July 2016}}</ref> In 2007, collectors got "seriously hooked" when a set of Montblancs went for $290,000 each in a fundraiser event for the [[Princess Grace Foundation]] in Monaco. Each of these Montblanc pens came with 996 diamonds and 92 rubies. It has been speculated that most collectors hail from the United States of America and China, though pen dealers in England say the trend is likely to sweep England imminently.<ref>{{cite book |title=Think Ink: Why Pen Prices Are Soaring |date=2010}}</ref>

News outlets report that, rather than declining, fountain pen sales have been steadily rising over the last decade.<ref name="Why are fountain pen sales rising">{{cite news|last1=Brocklehurst|first1=Steven|title=Why are fountain pen sales rising?|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18071830|accessdate=26 July 2016|work=BBC News Magazine|date=22 May 2012}}</ref>  There is a clear resurgence in the appeal and culture of the fountain pen, whether for purposes of collection, enjoyment or as a "lifestyle item".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Canham|first1=Jacqui|title=Write way to earn a profit: Fountain pens are gaining popularity as|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/write-way-to-earn-a-profit-fountain-pens-are-gaining-popularity-as-accessories-and-investments-5334080.html|accessdate=26 July 2016|work=The Independent|date=20 July 2007}}</ref> Many agree that the "personal touch" of a fountain pen has led to such a resurgence with modern consumers looking for an alternative in a world of digital products and services.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hall|first1=James|title=Fountain pen sales double|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9283229/Fountain-pen-sales-double.html|accessdate=26 July 2016|work=The Telegraph|date=23 May 2012}}</ref>

[[Amazon.com|Amazon]] reported "sales so far this year [2012] have doubled compared with the same period in 2011. They are four times higher than 2010."<ref name="Why are fountain pen sales rising"/>